A Message From the Director

It is with heartfelt sympathy that I send this message -

CAL FIRE Line of Duty Death -

Matthew Richard Will, a heavy fire equipment operator with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), died this morning as the result of a bulldozer rollover in Monterey County yesterday afternoon.Will, 30, was battling the Colorado Fire in Monterey County on Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, when his bulldozer overturned. He was airlifted to San Jose Regional Medical Center for treatment and died this morning from injuries sustained in the rollover.

Will, a resident of Hollister, was assigned to Hollister Air Attack Base in the San Benito Monterey Unit. He started with CAL FIRE, then known as CDF, on May 19, 2003, as a heavy fire equipment operator. He recently graduated from the department’s fire academy in Ione.

Immediate survivors include his wife, Diana Will, his son Trysten, 10, and daughter Elsie, 8.

Authorization is granted for shrouding of all badges for uniform personnel and the continuance of flags at half staff at all department facilities in remembrance of Matthew Will.

Additional information will be forthcoming from CAL FIRE as it develops.

Ruben Grijalva, Chief

CAL FIRE

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Office of the Director

1416 9th Street, Room 1505
Sacramento, CA